2013 Miss Rodeo California
Miss Dakota Skellenger
Miss Rodeo California 2013 Dakota Skellenger (photo courtesy of Wayne Capili of Interface Visual)
On October 4, 2012, on a beautiful night at the Paso Robles Inn (Paso Robles, CA), and after several months of preparation and several days of intense competitions, Miss Dakota Skellenger was crowned Miss Rodeo California 2013! In addition to being crowned Miss Rodeo California, Dakota was also presented with awards for placing first in all of the judging categories which included Horsemanship, Speech, Appearance, Personality, and Miss Photogenic.
Miss Rodeo California 2013 Dakota Skellenger immediately following her crowning ceremony (photo courtesy of Miss Rodeo California Pageant)
Dakota entered the pageant representing the Bakersfield Stampede Days Rodeo (website) where she had the pleasure of promoting her beloved hometown. Born and raised in the City of Bakersfield, California, Dakota is honored to have the privilege of symbolizing the western way of life and promoting the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) as Miss Rodeo California 2013.
Miss Rodeo California 2012, Mackenzie Cayford, crowning the new Miss Rodeo California 2013, Dakota Skellenger (photo courtesy of Miss Rodeo California Pageant)
Dakota entered her first Rodeo Queen pageant when she was 15 years old and has been in love with the industry ever since.
"To me, rodeo is so much more than a sport; it is really about people. The PRCA does so much for our communities with programs like the Wrangler National Patriot and Tough Enough To Wear Pink. I am proud to promote this aspect of our organization as the platform for my year. Representing such a philanthropic and honorable organization is a task that I will treasure!" - Dakota
Dakota will take a year off from her studies to travel as Miss Rodeo California, but she is not worried. She said traveling will give her real life learning experiences you cannot get in a classroom. Dakota is studying Agriculture at Bakersfield College and plans to pursue her Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Communication at Fresno State.
She is already off and running - Dakota spent some time at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in December. She had the opportunity to appear at the "Platinum Performance" booth and found herself signing autographs with 10 time World Champion All Around Cowboy Trevor Brazile.
Miss Rodeo California, Dakota Skellenger, signing autographs at the WNFR with 10 time World Champion Trevor Brazile (photo courtesy of Dakota Skellenger)
Dakota said that none of this would be possible without the unwavering support of her family. She would also like to thank all of her sponsors and the Board of Directors of the Miss Rodeo California Pageant. She added, "Without them, my wonderful journey as Miss Rodeo California would not be possible."
The PRCA California Circuit wishes Dakota safe travels and exciting adventures as she travels not only throughout the State of California, but as she travels across the United States as Miss Rodeo California 2013!
Congratulations!!
Who is Miss Rodeo California?
“Miss Rodeo California is a young lady who strives to promote the State of California and the sport of professional rodeo. In doing so she also endeavors to promote the great western way of life with its strong morals and values. Miss Rodeo California will be a talented, personable horsewoman with a vast knowledge of the sport of rodeo, the equine industry, and the State of California. She is a young lady who enjoys travel and has a sincere interest in garnering educational experiences that will assist in laying a solid foundation for her future.” (Courtesy of Miss Rodeo California Pageant website)
To learn more about the Miss Rodeo California Pageant, please visit their website.